Patentable/Patents/US-11938980
US-11938980

Signal control device and abnormality detection method

PublishedMarch 26, 2024
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

A RIO device mounted to a train includes an output unit that outputs a signal to a relay mounted to the train, and a controller that controls whether or not to cause the output unit to output the signal. The output unit includes a readback circuit that detects whether or not the signal is outputted from the output unit. The controller makes a signal stop request and a signal output request to the output unit before operation of the train starts, acquires a detection result of the readback circuit while each of the signal stop request and the signal output request is performed, and detects abnormality of the output unit using the detection result.

Patent Claims
6 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The abnormality detection method according to claim 12, further comprising a sixth step of the controller stopping supply of power to the output unit when abnormality of the output unit is detected.

Plain English Translation

A controller in a RIO device, mounted on a train, performs an abnormality detection method for an output unit connected to a relay. Before train operation starts, the controller makes a signal stop request and a signal output request to this output unit. The output unit includes a readback circuit that detects if a signal is being outputted. While both requests are active, the controller acquires detection results from the readback circuit and uses them to determine if the output unit is abnormal. If abnormality of the output unit is detected, the controller then stops the power supply to that specific output unit.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The abnormality detection method according to claim 11, further comprising a sixth step of the controller stopping supply of power to the output unit when abnormality of the output unit is detected.

Plain English Translation

A controller in a RIO device, mounted on a train, performs an abnormality detection method for an output unit connected to a relay. Before train operation starts, the controller makes a signal stop request and a signal output request to this output unit. The output unit includes a readback circuit that detects if a signal is being outputted. While both requests are active, the controller acquires detection results from the readback circuit and uses them to determine if the output unit is abnormal. If abnormality of the output unit is detected, the controller then stops the power supply to that specific output unit.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The abnormality detection method according to claim 14, further comprising a seventh step of the controller causing a display device to display that abnormality of the output unit is detected.

Plain English Translation

A controller in a RIO device, mounted on a train, performs an abnormality detection method for an output unit connected to a relay. Before train operation starts, the controller makes a signal stop request and a signal output request to this output unit. The output unit includes a readback circuit that detects if a signal is being outputted. While both requests are active, the controller acquires detection results from the readback circuit and uses them to determine if the output unit is abnormal. If abnormality of the output unit is detected, the controller then stops the power supply to that specific output unit. Furthermore, the controller causes a connected display device to visually indicate that the output unit is abnormal.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The abnormality detection method according to claim 17, further comprising a sixth step of the controller stopping supply of power to the output units when abnormality is detected in any of the output units.

Plain English Translation

A controller in a RIO device, mounted on a train, performs an abnormality detection method for multiple output units, each connected to a relay. Before train operation starts, the controller sends signal stop requests and signal output requests to each output unit. Each unit includes a readback circuit detecting signal output. While requests are active for any unit, the controller acquires detection results from the respective readback circuit and uses them to determine if any of the output units are abnormal. If abnormality is detected in any of these output units, the controller then stops the power supply to the output units.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The abnormality detection method according to claim 16, further comprising a sixth step of the controller stopping supply of power to the output units when abnormality is detected in any of the output units.

Plain English Translation

A controller in a RIO device, mounted on a train, performs an abnormality detection method for multiple output units, each connected to a relay. Before train operation starts, the controller sends signal stop requests and signal output requests to each output unit. Each unit includes a readback circuit detecting signal output. While requests are active for any unit, the controller acquires detection results from the respective readback circuit and uses them to determine if any of the output units are abnormal. If abnormality is detected in any of these output units, the controller then stops the power supply to the output units.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The abnormality detection method according to claim 19, further comprising a seventh step of the controller causing a display device to display that abnormality is detected in any of the output units.

Plain English Translation

A controller in a RIO device, mounted on a train, performs an abnormality detection method for multiple output units, each connected to a relay. Before train operation starts, the controller sends signal stop requests and signal output requests to each output unit. Each unit includes a readback circuit detecting signal output. While requests are active for any unit, the controller acquires detection results from the respective readback circuit and uses them to determine if any of the output units are abnormal. If abnormality is detected in any of these output units, the controller then stops the power supply to the output units. Furthermore, the controller causes a connected display device to visually indicate that an abnormality has been detected in any of the output units.

Classification Codes (CPC)

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

January 16, 2018

Publication Date

March 26, 2024

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